Neroli Duffy
Learn More About Our Breast Cancer Survivors: Chat with Us | Email Us
<< More Breast Cancer Survivors
I want to let you know, once again, how grateful I am that your organization exists. In January 1999, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern). I actually saw an advertisement for your center several months before I was diagnosed and said to myself, "If I ever get cancer I will go there," never suspecting that I would need your services so soon. Three months later, I arrived at your doorstep.
I feel that God lead me to CTCA. As a former medical doctor in Australia and now a minister, I was so relieved to find a center that offered the best of medical care, while paying attention to the whole person. As part of my medical practice years ago, I looked after patients with cancer. I know the grueling side effects and inconsiderate care that can often be found within cancer hospitals. In fact, I used to think that I would never undergo chemotherapy. I changed my mind when I saw the way that you administer chemotherapy in your hospitals.
In addition, I was able to integrate and apply all that I had learned about complementary and spiritual medicine in recent years. I used the vitamins, naturopathy, the nutrition program and the mind-body programs which you offer as support for my treatment and integrated these with other alternative therapies which I used. I also availed myself of every program that you offer: mind-body medicine, physical therapy, massage therapy, spiritual counseling, and image enhancement. They all were a tremendous assistance to gaining and keeping a sense of well-being in all areas of my life. My friends, family and coworkers were surprised and delighted that I looked so well while undergoing cancer treatment.
I want to thank everyone who looked after me. Wherever I went at Midwestern, I always knew that I was cared for and was not just a name on a chart. Truly, your people are your greatest asset and I am so grateful to them because so many thoughtful and kind things happened to me while I was there. I know that your atmosphere of love and caring helps to heal.
By the grace of God, I will be seeing you for years to come for follow up. Please share this letter with everyone—doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, pharmacy, food services, volunteers, medical records, patient care coordinators, security, drivers. Everyone whom I contacted looked like embodied angels to me.
July 21, 2008
I have just completed my ninth year with CTCA. My visit with my oncologist, Dr. Citrin, today was a success—cancer free once again.
I so appreciate life, family and friends, and the CTCA community. A few bumps on the road, and once again, CTCA has pulled me through and provided encouragement, hope and top-level care at all levels. I am grateful to find that such a center exists. One hospital continues to grow and change, and so do I. I continue to pray, meditate, exercise, do yoga, consider my mind-body connection, pay attention to nutrition, take my vitamins and supplements, and enjoy life’s journey at all levels. The naturopathic service with Shauna Birdsall, ND, is wonderful. Rev. Percy McCray continues to be an inspiration and Dr. Citrin is a beacon of hope. Thanks for everything, CTCA.
